Everyone who watches football knows this is a passing league and each year we see QBs put up record numbers in passing yards and touchdowns. So that made wonder if there was a better defensive scheme the Bucs could use to defend the pass? We run the 4-3 and many Bucs fans on here seem to want to run the 3-4, but what if there was another option, would you consider it?

Enter the 3-3-5. Similar to the 3-4, you run with 3 defensive linemen but 3 linebackers and 5 defensive backs. For the 5 defensive backs, you usually have 2-4 CB, 1-3 safeties. The idea behind the 3-3-5 is that you are able to match up against any possible looks that a fast-paced offense can throw at you (ex Eagles) or one that has multiple receiving threats (ex Saints, Falcons). If the opposing team has a stud TE, you can keep a FS or large CB on him at all times while still shutting down the run.

The secret to its success is the placement and talent of the DBs. Your #1 & 2 DBs would need to be shut down types (we have Revis, Banks, Melvin). Now here is where it gets interesting. You have two major options for the next 3 DB. The typical set up would be to play your FS (Goldson) as a single high safety playing “center field” deep zone. You would want a FS with who has very good speed and play recognition. Your SS (Baron) and last DB (Melvin, Johnson, McCray), either CB or FS would play near the line of scrimmage. SS on the side of your # 1 CB at a depth between your DL and LBs. The other DB would be on your #2 CBs side at the same depth.

No matter what the opposing offensive formation is, if you have talented players, you can match up against the run or pass, dynamic TEs(Graham), multiple receiver sets, RB in the flats(Sproles), and even option QBs (Newton). If the opposing team lines up with 2 WR, you can double team each WR and still have a FS playing zone OR you blitz your SS and NB. The defensive matchup possibilities as a coordinator make your salivate. Think of it as a Bill Belicheck offense turned into a defense where the DC looks for mismatches each play and constantly keeps the opposing offensive line and QB guessing.

Looking at our team, the one position that we would really need is a true Nose tackle. Akeem Spence is the strongest player on our defense and seems to be the natural fit if he can put on weight or just be able to hold the middle. If he can play NT then we are set. If not, then we look to draft or bring in an experienced 3-4 NT. Our two best pass rushers stay on the field with Clayborn at RDE and McCoy sliding over to LDE. Our LBs stay the same with Watson being our rush linebacker. Revis and Banks stay at CB 1 & 2, Goldson and Barron stay on as FS and SS, respectively and our last DB will rotate out between who the opposing offense puts on the field. Barron can even be pulled in favor of a CB or FS in cases where we face 3 WR and an excellent TE (Saints)

In certain situations the 3-3-5 is great. You can be flexible with your blitz packages while also preventing big plays over the top. It's just tough to use it full-time. When you run up against seasoned QBs like Peyton Manning they will audible to a run play because you have a soft box. With only 6 in the box you're vulnerable to run plays and middle screens.

On 3rd and longs we can definitely use it, and we have on occasion (I believe Dakoda Watson got his sack this season when we were playing a 3-3-5). I just can't see a team running that formation with any kind of regularity. You would need to have a beastly DLine to make it work consistently._________________

I agree with on Manning, he is incredibly talented at picking apart defenses but in this defense, you would have your SS and 5th DB within 5 yards of the LOS. This would inherently give you 8 in the box on every play, but it would come down to the play call and how talented they are at shutting down the run.